Dr. Jim A. Kuypers
Department of Communication
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

“I am really at a loss for words to explain or to understand the carnage that has visited our campus."[1] Charles Steger, Virginia Tech President

            For many, including myself, these words uttered so shortly after the heinous murders still hold their strength today.[2] Just how does one explain or understand what occurred?  The impact on Virginia Tech and the surrounding communities is beyond words.  Even picture and video memorials fail to convey the scope of the emotion and hurt suffered after the vicious slayings.  Fortunately, my task is neither to convey this sense of emotion or to understand the events of 4/16/2007, but rather to look closely at how one person explained the events of that day: Virginia Tech President Charles Steger.   Even so, questions of how to proceed remain.  How does one look at what President Steger said about the murders?  Commentators have said much, yet so many say so little.  Just what can a communication perspective offer?  It seems to me that there are some common and inter-animated elements with which to work: first, a crisis; second, a President; and third, a special issue about narratives in times of crises. I keep this in mind as I look at President Steger’s public statements about the murders.[3]